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Franchise Quarter

When Felipes, proprietor of New Orleans best $5 plates slung up like prison slop, announced that it was opening a second location on the corner of Bienville and North Peters streets, I chalked it up to divine providence. Ditto for La Divina, whose new Place d'Armes outpost makes the citys finest gelato fix an any-hour possibility. (Although I will miss scoffing at those poor, misguided souls sitting outside of Sucré, crowing over a costlier and inferior product while subsidizing the sweet boutiques stainless steel Sub-Zeros and travertine trimmings.) But the news of Iris Restaurants impending Bienville House relocation  technically not a franchise, Im aware, but Carrolltons loss is still the Quarters gain, and on behalf of Sixth Warders from Rampart Street to the river, allow me to say: nanny nanny boo boo  has me considering more scientific conspiracy theories. How else to explain the great Vieux Carré migration of so many favorite eateries? Maybe some physics-minded foodie and St. Philip Street denizen designed a gastro-magnet in his fourth-floor attic? Or could the city actually be folding up on itself, Stephen Hawking-style? Whatever the reason, it seems to be the epicurean equivalent of running up the score  after all, we already lay claim to arguably the best fine-dining (Stella!), diner fare (Clover Grill), patisserie (Croissant dOr), seafood (GW Fins), African (Bennachin), Italian (Irene's Cuisine), coffeeshop (Café du Monde), steakhouse (Dickie Brennans), burger joint (Port of Call) and convenience-store-deli health violations (Verti Marte) in the Croissant City limits. Plus, ever since the Delachaise quietly kicked open the doors of its North Rampart digs in August, weve had the market cornered on domestic beer denial and brusque French bartenders, too. Coming soon: $14 tapas supremacy. Your serve, Uptown.